NFL Player's Union Files Grievance Over New National Anthem Policy

posted by Bill Galluccio -

Jul 10, 2018

The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance against the NFL's new national anthem policy that league officials hoped would put an end to the public backlash resulting from players taking a knee during TheStar-Spangled Banner.

The NFLPA released a statement saying the policy, which allows players to remain in the locker room during the national anthem but requires all players and staff members who remain on the sidelines to stand, "is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights."

"Our union filed its non-injury grievance today on behalf of all players challenging the NFL’s recently imposed anthem policy. The union’s claim is that this new policy, imposed by the NFL’s governing body without consultation with the NFLPA, is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement and infringes on player rights."

The NFLPA Executive Committee is hoping to avoid litigation and said the NFL has agreed to "confidential discussions" to come up with a solution that can put an end to the controversy which has embroiled the league since 2016.

"In advance of our filing today, we proposed to the NFL to begin confidential discussions with the NFLPA Executive Committee to find a solution to this issue instead of immediately proceeding with litigation. The NFL has agreed to proceed with those discussions and we look forward to starting them soon."